Retired Automotive Industry Worker, 84, Pursues Acting Dream

As a young LAD, Jack loved acting, but his parents dissuaded him from this line of work, telling him to get a 'proper job' instead.

Now, the octogenarian is proving it's never too late to pursue your dreams.*

Speaking to LADbible, he says: "I noticed that a few of my retired friends were happy to sit and take life easy and I thought, 'There's no way I'm doing that.'

"Knowing how much I enjoyed acting, my wife of 63 years encouraged me to speak to an agent. So I grabbed the bull by the horns.

"I was amazed how quickly I got a gig and I haven't looked back - my job has taken me all over the world and to a host of impressive venues that I could only dream of visiting.

"I thought I might be too old but the agent said this is a business for all ages - the most important ingredient is enthusiasm - and I have plenty of that."

Asked if he enjoyed working as an actor as much as he'd envisioned, Jack says: "More! I thoroughly enjoy what I do playing varied roles.

"Going to places, locations that I would not otherwise have been able to and working with wonderful people of all ages - many of them are young which in turn keeps me young."

However old you are, Jack reckons you should spend the time you do have looking forwards, not back.

He says: "I thoroughly enjoyed my many years in the motor trade, but often wonder if I had made a career in acting, where I might be today. But I have no regrets.

"It's never too late, being active keeps me healthy and of course health is the number one factor in being able to continue an active life.

"Age is definitely a mindset - you mustn't sit down and give in to it. My philosophy is 'keep young and carry on', which I intend to do for many more years to come."

* Obviously, this is a sweeping statement; if Jack's dream was to be an Olympic swimmer, then he probably would've left it a bit late at this stage. But you get the idea - people tend to underestimate what they can achieve if they really go for it. That's essentially what I'm getting at. 'It's never too late to pursue your dreams' is just a bit more emotive and snappy.